Is an ICD the right treatment for every kind of rhythm disturbance?
No, it isn’t. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are intended to treat the very serious rhythm problems that can arise in the lower portion of the heart, called the ventricles. In the near future, ICDs will be available that can be used for patients with other rhythm problems. Doctors often can provide good heart rhythm control for patients with medication alone. When a patient’s symptoms worsen, however, or when the problem is persistent or potentially dangerous, the doctor may perform an electrophysiology (EP) study to learn more about the rhythm and the best treatments to deal with it. In some cases an electrophysiologist may not even need a study if the problem and its solutions are clear from the beginning. If an ICD is one of those solutions, the doctor will know and discuss it with the patient.
